Curious how your analytical mindset could shape the future of global markets? Step into the world of quantitative trading through Optiver’s FutureFocus Quants (Trading & Research) Program. This immersive, five-day program offers a front-row seat to the strategies, data, and decision-making that drive one of the most advanced trading firms in the world — and a fast-track opportunity toward a Quantitative Trader or Quantitative Researcher Internship (Summer 2027).
FutureFocus is a selective educational experience for students graduating between Winter 2027 and Spring 2029, designed to give you a deep dive into the science behind modern markets. Across five dynamic days, you’ll get hands-on experience with real-world trading concepts and participate in technical lectures and interactive exercises that mirror the challenges faced by our traders and researchers.
What you’ll do:
Requiring quick thinking, a critical mindset and bold action, FutureFocus offers you the opportunity to:
- Gain insights into the data-driven environment that our traders and researchers work in.
- Enhance your quantitative skills through lectures and workshops covering tools and techniques used in the industry.
- Work on an interactive project where you’ll use data and strategy to solve complex market problems.
- Learn from Optiver’s dedicated trading education team, who will provide tailored guidance and support throughout the week.
- Engage with Optiver traders and leaders through Q&A panels and networking opportunities to help you build meaningful connections within the industry.
What you’ll get:
You’ll join a culture of collaboration and excellence, where you’ll be surrounded by curious thinkers and creative problem solvers. Motivated by a passion for continuous improvement, you’ll thrive in a supportive, high-performing environment alongside talented peers, learning about the toughest problems in the financial markets.
In addition, you’ll receive:
- A taste of Optiver’s collaborative company culture and our perks and benefits firsthand, including daily breakfast, lunch, coffee, smoothies and more
- A comfortable stay with fully-covered accommodation and travel expenses, allowing you to focus on making the most of the program.
- A deeper understanding of the industry and the confidence needed to excel in a high-performance environment.
Who you are:
You’re an undergraduate student who is:
- Pursuing a degree in a STEM field
- On-track to graduate between December 2027 and June 2029
- Available to attend the program in Chicago during one of the following sessions:
- Sunday, March 15 - Friday night, March 20
- Sunday, March 22- Friday night, March 27
- A curious and analytical thinker who asks ‘why’ before accepting ‘what’
- Eager to apply your quantitative and research skills in a real-world context
- Excited by competition, collaboration, and the challenge of optimizing under pressure
Apply Now
Does this sound like the future you’re looking for? Submit your resume to apply.
Once you submit your application, eligible candidates will receive an online assessment to complete. Those who pass the assessment will proceed to the next phase of the process.
Following your participation in this program, you may choose to move forward with the application process for Optiver’s internship program. Below is the expected base salary for an internship position in our Trading or Tech departments. This is a good-faith estimate of the base pay scale and sign on bonus for this position and offers will ultimately be determined based on experience, education, skill set, and performance in the interview process. Internship positions in our Trading and Tech departments are also be eligible for benefits including Optiver-covered flights, living accommodations and commuting stipends (where applicable); and office perks, including daily breakfast and lunch, social events and clubs.
Top Skills
What We Do
Optiver’s story began over 30 years ago, when we started business as a single trader on the floor of Amsterdam’s options exchange. Today, we are at the forefront of trading and technology as a leading global electronic market maker, focused on pricing, execution and risk management.
Why Work With Us
People at Optiver love challenges, welcome collaboration, and strive to be better tomorrow than they are today. Improving the market is an extraordinary challenge that requires a carefully crafted approach. Optiver provides a collaborative working environment to tackle these challenges. In fact, it is this way of working that sets us apart.
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